Bordeaux Wine Region: Where History Meets World-Class Wines

Bordeaux is synonymous with world-class wines, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Located in the southwest of France, this renowned wine region is one of the most prestigious in the world, producing some of the finest wines that have stood the test of time. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a glass now and then, learning about Bordeaux’s history, its wines, and the unique facts that make this region a must-visit destination is an unforgettable experience.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the history of Bordeaux, explore its role in shaping the global wine industry, and share some interesting facts that might surprise you.

A Journey Through Bordeaux’s History: From Roman Times to Today

Bordeaux’s history as a wine-producing region dates back to Roman times, over two thousand years ago. The region’s favorable climate and fertile soils made it a perfect place for viticulture. Romans introduced wine cultivation to the area, and the vineyards flourished.

However, it wasn’t until the 12th century that Bordeaux started to gain international recognition. The marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, who later became Henry II of England, brought the region into the English fold. During this period, Bordeaux wines began to gain popularity in England, with Bordeaux being one of the primary wine suppliers to the English court.

The 18th century saw Bordeaux rise to even greater prominence when trade expanded globally, and Bordeaux wines started making their mark in places like the United States and the Caribbean. The 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification, which ranked the best Bordeaux wines, further cemented the region’s reputation as one of the best wine-producing areas in the world.

The Bordeaux Wine Regions: Terroir That Makes the Difference

Bordeaux is home to a variety of wine regions, each with its unique terroir that influences the taste and quality of the wines. The region is divided into several sub-regions, including the Left Bank, the Right Bank, and the Entre-Deux-Mers.

• The Left Bank is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, particularly those produced in regions like the Médoc and Graves. These wines tend to have bold flavors and are often more structured.
• The Right Bank is renowned for its Merlot-based wines, which are often smoother and more fruit-forward. Areas like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol are iconic for producing some of the best Merlot wines in the world.
• Entre-Deux-Mers, located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, is known for its dry white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes.

This division of Bordeaux into different sub-regions allows for a wide variety of wines, each with distinct characteristics, making Bordeaux a paradise for wine lovers.

Grand Cru and Premier Cru Classifications in Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s wine classification system is essential to understanding the region’s prestigious reputation. It recognizes the finest estates and wines, ensuring they maintain a high level of quality and uphold the region’s legacy.

Grand Cru Classé: The Pinnacle of Bordeaux’s Prestige

The term “Grand Cru” (meaning “great growth”) is often associated with the top-tier Bordeaux estates. The Grand Cru Classé designation represents the pinnacle of wine quality in Bordeaux. The classification was formalized in 1855 for the Médoc and Graves regions, with wines ranked into five categories (from First Growth to Fifth Growth) based on their reputation, history, and pricing. These wines are often considered some of the best in the world.

• Premier Cru (First Growth): These are the top wines of Bordeaux, representing the best of the best. The five First Growths in the Médoc, which include Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Haut-Brion, are legendary. These wines are known for their exceptional quality, complexity, and ability to age for decades.
• Deuxième Cru (Second Growth), Troisième Cru (Third Growth), and so on: While these estates are not at the very top, they still produce exceptional wines that are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. Second and Third Growth estates like Château Léoville Las Cases and Château Palmer are revered for their remarkable craftsmanship.

Premier Cru in Saint-Émilion: A Different Classification System

Unlike the Médoc, which uses a straightforward system of Grand Cru Classé and growths, the Saint-Émilion wine region uses a unique system of Premier Grand Cru Classé and Grand Cru Classé. The Premier Grand Cru Classé is further divided into A and B categories.

• Premier Grand Cru Classé A: This is the top tier, reserved for only a few select estates that have demonstrated consistent excellence. Some of the most famous names include Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc.
• Premier Grand Cru Classé B: These estates are also considered of exceptional quality but slightly below the Premier Grand Cru Classé A tier.

While the classification system in Bordeaux is incredibly prestigious, it is not static. Estates are reassessed periodically, and their rankings may change based on the quality of their wines over time.

Interesting Facts About Bordeaux Wine

1. Bordeaux Is the Largest Fine Wine Region in the World Bordeaux is one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world, with over 120,000 hectares of vineyards. With such vast expanses of land dedicated to wine production, it’s no wonder Bordeaux wines dominate the market.
2. Bordeaux Wines Are Classified As mentioned earlier, the Bordeaux Wine Classification of 1855 is one of the most important documents in the wine world. It ranked Bordeaux’s top châteaux (wine estates) based on their reputation, quality, and market price. The classification still holds significant weight today and continues to shape the pricing and reputation of Bordeaux wines.
3. Bordeaux Wines Are Mostly Blends Unlike many other regions where wines are made from single varieties of grape, Bordeaux wines are typically blends of different grape varieties. The most common blend consists of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This blending process allows winemakers to create balanced wines with complex flavors.
4. The Bordeaux Wine Festival is a Major Event Every two years, Bordeaux hosts a spectacular event called the “Bordeaux Wine Festival.” It’s a celebration of the region’s wines, with tastings, exhibitions, and even boat rides along the Garonne River. The event draws wine enthusiasts from all over the world and is one of the highlights of the region’s wine culture.
5. Bordeaux Has Its Own Wine Appellation System In Bordeaux, wines are categorized based on their origin and quality. There are several Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), including famous ones like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes. These AOCs ensure that wines from specific regions maintain a high level of quality and authenticity.
6. Bordeaux’s Sauternes: A Sweet Wine Legacy Bordeaux is not just about red wines; it is also home to some of the world’s most famous sweet wines, particularly Sauternes. These wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, a unique fungus that concentrates the sugars in the fruit, creating a honeyed, rich flavor profile. Sauternes is considered one of the finest dessert wines globally.

Conclusion: Why Bordeaux Should Be on Your Wine Bucket List

Bordeaux is more than just a wine region; it’s a living, breathing testament to centuries of winemaking tradition, artistry, and culture. From its ancient history to its world-class wines, Bordeaux has earned its place as a top destination for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re savoring a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in a vineyard or learning about the region’s fascinating past, Bordeaux never fails to impress.

If you would like to learn even more about Bordeaux, we recommend reading book “Inside Bordeaux” by Jane Anson. The book is in english and is available on our website. “Inside Bordeaux” is truly a pearl for wine lovers, offering an in-depth exploration of the region’s rich history, wine culture, and the iconic estates that have shaped Bordeaux’s legacy. At Wine In Time we offer a huge range of fine Bordeaux wines. Enjoy the best wines from Bordeaux with our fast and free delivery in Vienna!